Combining the abilities they learned during their International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP), grade 6 students of the Children’s World Academy (CWA) are presenting an exhibition about how humans share energy around the world this week.
This unit of inquiry, the in-depth exploration of a concept, took the project to a new level. Mentored by their teacher, small groups investigated various forms of energy and how it is produced in different places around the globe. Students researched to be able to display the information in the exhibition in a visual way.
They developed their projects around themes of equal opportunity to access energy, conservation and consumers’ responsibility towards energy.
« The students have been working very hard. Some on solar energy, others on electric cars, static electricity, hydroelectricity, gas and nuclear, » explains teacher Tania D’Alessandro.
Process
Before every unit of inquiry, teachers and an IB coordinator engage in a brainstorming session for ideas about new projects. The results become a plan that includes learning objectives, tools and strategies for the teachers to follow.
The exhibition is the culmination of the IB PYP Program. « Throughout the project, students demonstrate the five essential elements of the program: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. It is a transdisciplinary inquiry process where students choose a real life global or local issue and collaboratively work together to demonstrate how they can take action as a result of their learning, » D’Alessandro explains.
Students are encouraged to pick topics that inspire them to make a difference in the world. Choosing what they are interested in allows the students to be more connected to their schoolwork.
The goal is to foster a desire to learn.
The exhibition of their findings took place on Thursday February 8 from 3 pm to 5:30 pm.